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aV-^ 




Th e M A Y F L O W E R 

Pilgrims 



Qompliments of 
GEORGE W. WHEELWRIGHT PAPER CO. 



Th. 



MAYFLOWER 

PILGRIMS 



Being a Condensation in the Original 
Wording and Spelling of the Story written by 

(^ov, Williafn 'Bradford 

of their privations and trials, and the 

Voyage of the zj^^ayfou-e?', and 

settlement at Plymouth 

in the year 1620 




?Sl3WiaSji,fi!5«j^e^ 



'Boston : <JhCassachusetts 

COMPILED BY JOHN T. WHEELWRIGHT IN THE 

YEAR OF THE TERCENTENARY 






Copyright, 1921 
JOHN T. WHEELWRIGHT 






Printed by 
McGRATH-SHERRILL PRESS 



C1A656574 



n^ \^ I 



JAN 31 1922 



Preface 

This Condensation of the first part of Governor Wil- 
liam Bradford's History of Plymouth Plantation covers 
the period in the History of the English "Separatists" 
Sect from 1608 to 1621. Miss Agnes Edwards writes 
that this narrative is the basis for all historical study 
of the early life of the Pilgrims in this country, and when 
we look at the quiet roof of the Bradford house today 
and realize how narrowly the papers — for they remained 
in manuscript form for two hundred years — escaped 
being lost forever, our minds travel again over the often 
told story. 

The manuscript, penned in Governor Bradford's fine 
old hand, in a folio with a parchment back, and with 
some childish scribblings by little Mercy Bradford on 
the cover, passed at the Governor's death to his son, 
and at his death to his son. It reposed in the old 
house now intact in Kingston until 1728, doubtless re- 
garded as something valuable, but not in the least 
appreciated at its full and peculiar worth. When 
Major John Bradford lent it to the Reverend Thomas 
Prince to assist him in his "Chronological History of 



New England," he was merely doing what he had done 
many times before. In these days of burglar-proof safes 
and fire protection it makes us shiver to think of this 
priceless holograph passed from hand to hand in such a 
casual manner. But it seems to have escaped any mis- 
hap under Dr. Prince, who deposited it eventually in 
the library of the Old South Church. Here it remained 
for half a century, still in manuscript form and fre- 
quently referred to by scholars. Thomas Hutchinson 
used it in compiling his "History of Massachusetts 
Bay," and Mather used it also. At the time of the 
Revolution the Old South was looted, and this docu- 
ment (along with many others) disappeared absolutely. 
No trace whatever could be found of it ; the most ex- 
haustive search was in vain, and scholars and historians 
mourned for a loss that was irreparable. And then, 
after half a century, after the search had been entirely 
abandoned, it was discovered, quite by chance, by one 
who fortunately knew its value, tucked into the Library 
of Fulham Palace in London. 

// Returns to America 

After due rejoicing on the American side and due 
deliberation on the English side of the water, it was 
very properly and very politely returned to this country 



in 1897. Now it rests after its career of infinite hazard, 
in a case in the Boston State House, elaborately pro- 
tected from fire and theft, from any accidental or 
premeditated harm, and Kingston must content itseU 
with a copy in Pilgrim Hall at Plymouth. 

Kingston's history commences with a manuscript and 
continues in the same form. If you would know the 
legends, the traditions, the events which mark this 
ancient town, you will have to turn to records, diaries, 
memoranda, memorial addresses and sermons, many of 
them never published. 

The Separatists in England claimed that a church, 
or congregation, should have the right to select its own 
pastor, elder, and other officers recognized by the 
Scriptures, and not be obhged to accept them on the 
nomination of a bishop, whether acting for pope or 
king. They accepted Calvin's rule, that those who are 
to exercise any public function in the church should be 
chosen by common voice. 

They should not be confounded with the Puritans, 
who always claimed to be a part of the Church of 
England. These latter founded the Massachusetts Bay 
Colony about ten years after the landing of the Pilgrims 
at Plymouth. 

There was a wide difference between the few poor 
people who came from Leyden across the seas to subdue 



the wilderness with the slenderest of resources, and 
the strongly organized Colony sent to the new world by 
the Puritan Party in England, which settled Salem and 
Boston and the surrounding country, and founded a 
Biblical Commonwealth ruled by a proud Oligarchy of 
Clergy. 

The Pilgrims were simple folks. In their history there 
is no account of any persecution for religion, and on 
the other hand the rulers of the Massachusetts Bay 
Colony were most intolerant of Quakers, Anabaptists, 
and Antinomians ; and although hard-headed men, some 
of them were swept into the hanging of witches by their 
belief in dark superstitions. 

The text used in this pamphlet is that of the edition 
of Bradford's History published by the Massachusetts 
Historical Society in 191 2. 

The views of the places visited by the Pilgrims in 
their first voyage of exploration, in November and 
December, 1620, were taken in 1920 for this publication. 
The condensation follows the text verbatim et literatim. 



Note 

According to GovernorWinslow the primitive churches in 
the Apostolic Age were the only churches which the Church 
of Christ in New England had in their eye. To them the 
inspired Scriptures only contained the true religion, and 
nothing was to be accounted the Protestant religion respect- 
ing either faith or worship, but what is taught in them. 
Each church had the right of choosing all their officers. 
The Rev. George E. Ellis in his article on the Religious 
Element in America and Winsor's Narrative and Critical 
History of America, is the authority for the following: 

The Reformation in England was, at the time of the be- 
ginning of the Puritan movement, an experiment to be 
tried, an institution to be recreated and remodelled, a sub- 
stitute church to be provided for a repudiated church. 
The early dissenters regarded themselves as simply taking 
part in an unfinished reform. They took alarm at the sim- 
ulation of the system and ritual of the Roman Church by 
the Established Church of England. They wished to have 
a hand and voice in instituting and planning the ecclesiasti- 
cal institutions under which they were to live as Christians. 
They did not wish to be led, governed and disciplined like 
sheep in a fold by a clerical order; they believed in the 
Scriptures as the sole authority for the institutions and dis- 
cipline of the Christian Church. 

The Puritans began by objecting and protesting against 
certain usages, but they soon set themselves against the au- 
thority of those who enforce such usages. 



The Separatists, who escaped into Holland, soon set up 
and afterwards maintained the principle of rigid separation 
from the Established Church, while the Massachusetts Bay 
Colonists called it their Mother Church and their separation 
from it they regarded as rather caused by such harsh condi- 
tions as excluded from its privileges than by any wilfulness 
or hostility of their own. Still there was never any breach 
beyond that of a friendly discussion between the men of 
Plymouth and those of Massachusetts Bay ; both wished to 
be rid of common prayer and ceremonial. 

The fact that the Pilgrims found a rock at the head of 
their harbor gave Mrs. Hemans license to say 
" The breaking waves dashed high 
Upon a stern and rock-bound coast " 

But the last line might, in the interest of truth, be changed 
to "A bleak and dang'rous coast" • — 

As the wind was from the northwest when they first ran 
into the "lee of a smalle iland"^ — it is possible that the 
breaking waves were not dashing very high ; when they 
"marched into the land" almost 48 hours after. 

A famous epigram made by an American Statesman, in a 
toast at a dinner in New York on Forefathers Day, has a 
false as well as a tragic note; "To the Pilgrim Mothers — 
who endured not only the terrors of the wilderness, but the 
Pilgrim Fathers." Seventeen of the latter brought their 
wives with them and fourteen of these hapless dames died 
in the first three months in the wilderness. 



Contents 



Their Departure into Holland and their Troubles 
thereabout^ with some oj the many difficulties they found 
and met i 

Their Settling in Holland and their manner of living 
and Entertainment there 5 

Showing the ^^ASO'tis that caused their Removal from the 
Low Countries 7 

They arrive in England and prepare to embark for the 
New World 9 

The Speedwell returns to Plymouth and the May- 
flower starts the Journey alone 12 

Showing how they sought out a Place of Habitation and 
what befell them 18 

They have their first Encounter with the Indians and 
drive them away 23 

They form a Compact and make a Treaty of Peace with 
Massasoit 32 

They suffer from Famine and many of the Company die 
of the Plague 42 

Appendix I 51 

Appendix II ^^ 



Illustrations 

The Mayflower Frontispiece 

Governor Edward Wins low xiv 

The Embarkation q/Z/^d" Pilgrims il 

Dexter's Map oJ the Explorations 22 

M«^ 0/ Plymouth Harbor . . , 27 

Clark's Island 29 

The Mayflower iji Plymouth Harbor ■;^'^ 

The Compact i^'^ 

The hANDiNG of the Pilgrims 37 

The First Houses 39 

T^^Winslow House <2/ Marsh FIELD 47 




Governor EDWARD WINSLOW 
Mayflower Pilgrim and Third Governor of Plymouth Colony 




'T h e M A Y F L O W E R 

Pilgrims 



Their Departure into Holland and their 
Troubles thereabout^ with some of the 
many difficulties they found and met. 



THE SEPARATISTS in England became 
2 distincte bodys or churches, In sundrie 
townes and vilages, some in Notingham- 
shire, some of Lincolnshire, and some of 
Yorkshire. They were hunted and persecuted on every 
side. . . . For some were taken and clapt up in prison 
others had their houses besett and watcht night and 
day, and the most were faine to flie and leave their 
houses and habitations, and the means of their liveli- 
hood. 

By a joynte consente they resolved to goe into the 
Low-Countries, where they heard was freedome of 



They decide to 
leave England 
on account of 
their persecu- 
tion 



T^he Mayflower Pilgrims 



ofl 



Are prevented 
from leaving 
the ports 



The master of 
the ship betrays 
them to the 
authorities 



Religion for all men .... But to goe into a country 
they knew not (but by hearsay) wher they must learn 
a new language, and get their living they knew not 
how, . especially seeing they were not acquainted with 
trades nor traffique . . . but had only been used to 
a plain country life and the inocente trade of hus- 
bandry — 

Though they could not stay, yet were they not suf- 
fered to goe, but the ports and havens were shut 
against them, so as they were faine to seeke secrete 
means of conveance ; and to bribe and fee the mari- 
ners and give extraordinarie rates for their passage : 

There was a large companie of them proposed to 
get passage at Boston in Lincoln-shire and for that 
end had hired a ship wholy to themselves ; and made 
agreement with the master to be ready at a certain 
day and take them and their good &co at a conven- 
ient place, where they accordingly would all attende 
in readiness 

But, when he had them and their goods abord, he 
betrayed them, having beforehand complotted with 
the searchers, and other officers so to do. who tooke 
them and put them into open boat and then rifled and 
ransaked them, searching them to their shirts for 
money, yea, even the women furder then became 



Their Departure i?ito Hollan 



D 



They meet by 
appointment 
between 
Grimsby and 
Hull 



modestie, and then made them a spectackle and won- 
der to the multitude, which came flocking on all sides 
to behold them. . . 

After a month's imprisonment the greatest part were 
dismiste, and sent to the places from whence they 
came, but 7 of the principall were still kept in person 
and bound over to the Assises. 

The nexte spring after, ther was another attempte 
made by some of these others ; to get over at an other 
place. And it so fell out, that the sight of a Dutchman 
at Hull, having a ship of his owne belonging to Zea- 
land ; they made agreemente with him and acquaint- 
(9)ed him with their condition, hoping to find more 
faithfulne(ss) in him, then in the former of their owne 
nation ; he had them not fear, for he would doe well 
enough. He was (by appointment) to take them in 
betweene Grimsbe, and Hull, wher was a large com- 
mone a good way distante from any towne. Now 
against the prefixed time, the women and children, 
with the goods, were sent to the place in a small 
barke which they had hired for that end : and the 
men were to meete them by land. But it so fell out, 
that they were ther a day before the shipe came, and 
the sea being rough, and the women very sicke, pre- 
vailed with the seamen to put into a creek hardby, 



[where 



The Mayflower Pilgrims 



hardby] 



Attacked by 
an armed band 



Some have to 
be left on shore 



where they lay on ground at low-water. The nexte 
morning the shipe came in, but they were fast, and 
could not stir, till aboute noone ; In the mean time 
(the shipe maister, perceiveing how the matter was) 
sent his boate to be getting the men abord whom he 
saw ready, walking aboute the shore. But after the 
first boat full was got abord, and she was ready to goe 
for more, the mr. espied a greate company (both horse, 
and foote) with bills, and gunes, and other weapons 
(for the countrie was raised to take them). The Dutch- 
man seeing that, swore (his countries oath), sacre- 
mente and having the wind faire, waiged his Ancor, 
hoysed sayles, and away. But the poore-men which 
were gott abord, were in great distress for their wives 
and children, which they saw thus to be taken, and 
were left destitute of their helps ; and them selves also, 
not having a cloath to shifte them with, more then 
they had on their backs, and some scarce a peney 
aboute them, all they had being abord the barke. It 
drew tears from their eyes, and any thing they had 
they would have given to be ashore again ; but all in 
vaine, ther was no remedy ; they must thus sadly part. 
And afterward endured a fearfull storme at sea, being 
.14. days or more before they arived at their porte, 
in .7. whereof they neither saw son, moone, nor stars. 



T/ieh^ Settling in Holland 



and were driven near the coast of Norway ; the mar- 
iners them selves often despairing of life ; and once 
with shriks and cries gave over all, as if the ship had 
foundered in the sea, and they sinking without recov- 
erie. But when mans hope, and helpe wholy failed, 
the lords power and mercie appeared in their recov- 
erie ; for the ship rose againe, and gave the mariners 
courage againe to manage here. I might relate many 
other notable passages, and troubles which they en- 
dured, and underwente in these their wanderings, and 
travells both at land, and sea; and in the end they 
mete togeather againe according to their desires, with 
no small rejoycing. 



Heavy storms 
drive them to 
the coast of 
Norway 



Their Settling/;/ Holland and their man- 
ner of living and Entertainment there. 



BEING now come into the Low countries, they 
saw many goodly and fortified cities, also they 
heard a strange, and uncouth language, and beheld 
the differente manners, and custumes of the people, 
with their strange fashions, and attires ; all so farre 
differing from that of their plaine countrie villages 
(wherein they were bred, and had so longe lived) 



They arrive in 
the Low 
Countries 



[as 



The Mayflower Pilgrims 



lived)] 



After a year in 
Amsterdam 
they remove to 
Leyden 



Are trusted by 
the merchants 
and people 



as it seemed they were come into a new world. For 
though they saw faire, and bewtifull cities, flowing 
with abondance of all sorts of welth and riches, yet 
it was not longe before they saw the grimme and 
grisly face of povertie coming upon them like an armed 
man ; with whom they must bukle, and incounter, 
and from whom they could not flye ; but they were 
armed with faith, and potience against him, and. all 
his encounters ; and though they were sometimes 
foiled, yet by Gods assistance they prevailed, and 
got the victorie. And when they had lived at Am- 
sterdam aboute a year, they removed to Leyden, a 
fair and bewtifull citie, and of a sweete situation, and 
at lenght they came to raise a competente and com- 
forteable living, but with hard, and continuall labore. 

And though many of thom weer poore, yet ther was 
none so poore but if they were known to be of that 
congregation, the DUTCH (either bakers or others) 
would trust them in any reasonable manner when 
they wanted money. Because they had found by ex- 
perience how carefull they were to keep their word, 
and saw them so painfull, and dilligente in their call- 
ing ; yea, they would strive to gett their custome, and 
to imploy above others, in their work, for their hon- 

* Most of them in the cloth industries. 



'T/ieir Reasons for their Removal 

estie and diligence. The magistrates of the citie, aboute 
the time of their coming away, gave this commend- 
able testemony of them. These English (said they) 
have lived amongst us now these .12. years, and yet 
sute, or accusation against any of them ; they saw and 
we never had any found by experience the hardnes 
of the place and countrie to be shuch, as few in 
comparison would come to them; and fewer that 
would bide it out, and continew with them. 

Showing the Reasons that caused their Re- 
moval from the Low Countries. 



IT was thought that if a better, and easier place of 
living, could be had, it would draw many, and 
take away these discouragements. Old age began steale 
on many of them, and their children, so oppressed with 
their hevie labours, that though their minds were free 
anci willing, yet their bodies bowed under the weight 
of the same, and became becreped in their early youth ; 
the vigor of nature being consumed in the very budd 
as it were. But that which was more lamentable, and 
of all sorrowes most heavie to be borne, was that many 
of their children, by these occasions, and the great 
licentiousness of youth in that countrie, and the mani- 



They fear for 
the future cf 
their children 



[fold 



The Mayflower Pilgrims 



mani-] 



A desire to 
preach the 
gospel in new 
countries 



Prefer the 
English Colo- 
nies in America 



fold temptations of the place, were drawne away by 
evill examples into extravagante and dangerous courses, 
getting the raines off their neks and departing from 
their parents. Some became souldiers, others took upon 
them farr viages by sea ; and others some worse courses, 
tending to dissolitnes, and the danger of their soules, 
to the great greefe of their parents and dishonour of 
God. So that they saw their posteritie would be in 
danger to degenerate and be corrupted. 

Lastly, (and which was not least) a great hope, for 
the propagating and advancing the gospell of the king- 
dom of Christ in those remote parts of the world ; 
yea, though they should be but even as stepping-stones, 
unto others for the performing of so great a work. 

The place they had thoughts on was some of those 
vast, and unpeopled countries of America, which are 
fruitfull, and fitt for habitation ; being devoyd of all 
civill inhabitants ; Some were ernest for Guiana, others 
were for some parts of Virginia, wher the English 
had already made enterance, and begining. 

But at length the conclusion was, to live as a dis- 
tincte body by them selves, under the generall Gov- 
erment of Virginia ; and by their friends to sue to his 
majestic that he would be pleased to grant them free- 
dome of Religion; whereupon .2. were clos(i9)en 



The Arrival /;/ England 



and sent in to England, who found the Virginia Com- 
pany very desirous to have them goe thither. And 
wiUing to grante them a patent, with ample privileges. 
And some of the cheefe of that company douted not 
to obtaine their suite of the king for liberty in Reli- 
gion, and to have it confirmed under the kings broad 
scale, according to their desires. Yet it could not be 
effected ; yet thus far they prevailed, in sounding his 
majesties mind, that he would connive at them, and 
not molest them (provided they carried themselves 
peacably). 

They arrive in England and prepare to em- 
hark for the New World. 

AT length, a smale ship was bought, and fitted 
in Holand, which was intended as to serve to 
help to transport them, so to stay in the cuntrie and 
taend upon fishing and shuch other affairs as might 
he for the good and benefite of the colonic when they 
came ther. Another* was hired at London, of burden 
about .9. score ; and all other things gott in readines. 
So being ready to departe, they had a day of solleme 
humiliation. And the time being come that they must 

* The first ship, The Speedwell; the second, The Mayflower. 



Attempt to 
obtain a charter 
from the King 



They prepare to 
leave Holland 



[departe, 



lO 



The Mayflower Pilgrims 



must 



Services on the 
eve of their 
departure 



cieparte, they were accompanied with most ot their 
brethren out of the citie, unto a towne sundrie miles 
of called Delfes-Haven, wher the ship lay ready to 
receive them. So they lefte the goodly and pleasante 
cities, which had been their resting place near .12. 
years ; but they knew they were pilgrimes, and looked 
not much on those things, but lift up their eyes to 
the heavens, their dearest cuntrie, and quieted their 
spirits. When they (37) came to the place they found 
the ship and all things ready ; and shuch of their 
friends as could not come with them followed after 
them, and sundrie also came from Amsterdame to see 
them shipte and to take their leave of them. That night 
was spent with little sleepe by the most, but with 
friendly entertainmente and christian discourse and 
other reall expressions of true christian love. The next 
day, the wind being faire, they went abord, and their 
friends with them, where truly dolfull was the sight 
of that sadd and mournfull parting; to see what sighs 
and sobs and praires did sound amongst them, what 
tears did gush from every eye, and pithy speeches 
peirst each harte ; that sundry of the Dutch strangers 
that stood on the key as spectators, could not refraine 
from tears. Yet comfortable and sweete it was to see 
shuch lively and true expressions of dear and unfained 



I 2 



The Mayflower Pilgrims 



unfained] 

Sorrowful part- 
ing from the 
Dutch port 



The Speedwell 
is found to leak 



love. But the (tide which stays for no man) caUng 
them away that were were thus loathe to departe, 
their Reve(ren)d pastor falling downe on his knees, 
(and they all with him,) with watrie cheeks com- 
mended them with most fervente praiers to the Lord 
and his blessing. And then with mutuall imprases and 
many tears, they tooke their leaves one of an other; 
which proved to be the last leave to many of them. 
Thus hoysing saile, 22nd July, with a prosperus 
winde they came in a short time to Southamton, 
wher they found the bigger ship come from London, 
lying ready, with all the rest of their company. 

The SFEEYy'^Ehh returns to Vlyuoxjt wand the 
Mayflower starts the Journey alone. 

THEY sett sayle from thence aboute the .5. of 
August. Being thus put to sea they had not 
gone farr, but Mr. Reinolds the m(aste)r of the lesser 
ship then complained that he found his ship so 
leak as he durst not put further to sea till she was 
mended. So the m(aste)r of the biger ship (caled Mr. 
Joans) being consulted with, they both resolved to put 
into Dartmouth and have her searched and mended, 
which accordingly was done, to their great charg and 



The Mayflower Proceeds Alo?ie 



13 



losse of time and a faire winde. She was hear thor- 
owly searcht from steme to sterne, some leaks were 
found and mended, and now it was conceived by the 
workmen and all, that she was sufficiente, and they 
might proceede without either fear or danger. So with 
good hopes from hence, they put to sea againe, con- 
ceiving they should goe comfortably on, not looking 
for any more lets of this kind ; but it fell out other- 
wise, for after they were gone to sea againe above 
.100. leagues without the Lands End, houlding com- 
pany togeather all this while, the m(aste)r of the small 
ship complained his ship was so leake as he must beare 
up or sinke at sea, for they could scarce free her with 
much pumping. So they came to consultation againe, 
and resolved both ships to bear up back backe againe 
and put into Plimmoth, which accordingly was done. 
But no spetiall leake could be founde, but it was judged 
to be the generall weakness of the shipe, and that shee 
would not prove sufficiente for the voiage. Upon 
which it was resolved to dismise her and part of the 
company, and proceede with the other shipe. 

Sept. 6, these troubles being blowne over, and no 
wall being compacte togeather in one shipe, they put 
to sea againe with a prosperus winde, which continued 
diverce days togeather, which was some incourage- 



The Mayflower 
must journey 
alone 



They have fair 
winds and good 
weather 



[mente 



14 



T^he Mayflower Pilgrims 



incouraLte- 



An example ot 
justice 



The ship meets 
severe storms 



mente unto them ; yet according to the usuall maner 
many were afflicted with sea-sicknes. 

And I may not omite hear a spetiall worke of Gods 
providence. Ther was a proud and very profane 
yonge man, one of the seamen, of a lustie, able body, 
which made him the more hauty; he would allway 
be contemning the poore people in their sicknes, and 
cursing them dayly with gree(v)ous execrations, and 
did not let to tell them, that he hoped to help to cast 
halfe of them over board before they came to their 
jurneys end, and to make mery with what they had; 
and if he were by any gently reproved, he would curse 
and swear most bitterly. But it pl(e)ased God before 
they came halfe seas over, to smite this yonge man 
with a greeveous disease of which he dyed in a des- 
perate maner, and so was him selfe the first that was 
throwne overbord. Thus his curses light on his owne 
head; and it was an astonishmente to all his fellows, 
for they noted it to be the just hand of God upon him. 

After they had injoyed faire winds and weather for a 
season, they were incountred many times with crosse 
winds, and mette with many feirce stormes, with which 
the shipe was shroudly shaken, and her upper works 
made very leakie; and one of the maine beames in the 
midd ships was bowed and craked, which put them in 



The Mayflowkr Procecfh' Alo?ie 



some tear that the shipe could not be able to performe 
the x'ioage. So some of the cheefe of the company, per- 
celvelng the mariners to feare the suffisiencie of the 
shIpe, as appeared by their mutterings, they entred into 
serious consullation with the m(aste)r and other officers 
of the ship, to consider in time of the danger ; and rather 
to returne then to cast them selves into a desperate and 
inevitable peril!. And truly ther was great distraction 
and differance of oppinion amongst the mariners them 
selves ; faine would they doe what could be done for 
their wages sake, (being now halfe the seas over,) and 
on the other hand they were loath to hazard their lives 
too desperatly. But in examening of all oppinions, the 
m(aste)r and others affirmed they knew the ship to be 
stronge and firme underwater ; and for the buckling of 
the maine beame, ther was a great iron scrue the pas- 
sengers brought out of Holland, which would raise the 
beame into his place ; the which being done, the car- 
penter and m(aste)r affirmed that with a post put under 
it, set firme in the lower deck, and otherways bounde, 
he would make it sufficients And as for the decks and 
uper workes they would calke them as well as they could, 
and though with the workeing of the ship they (46) 
would not longe keepe stanch, yet ther would otherwise 
be no great danger, if they did not overpress her with 



Thej resolve 
to proceed 



[sails 



i6 



The Mayflower Pilgrims 



with] 



A member is 
saved by an act 
of Providence 



sails. So they commited them selves to the will of God, 
and resolved to proseede. 

In sundrie of these stormes the windes were so fierce 
and the seas so high, as they could not beare a knote 
of saile, but were forced to hull,* for diverce days to- 
gither. And in one of them, as they thus lay at hull, 
in a mighty storme, a lustie yonge man (called John 
Rowland) coming upon some occasion above the 
grattings, was, with a seelef of the shipe throwne into 
(the) sea ; but it pleased God that he caught hould of 
the top-saile halliards, which hunge over board, and 
rane out at length ; yet he held his hould (though he 
was sundrie fadomes under water) till he was hald up 
by the same rope to the brime of the water, and then 
with a boathooke and other means got into the shipe 
againe, and his life saved; and though he was some- 
thing ill with it, yet he lived many years after, and 
became a profitable member both in church and 
commone wealthe. In all this viage ther died but one 
of the passengers, which was William Butten, a youth, 
servant to Samuell Fuller, when they drew near the 
coast. But to omite other things, (that I may be breefe,) 
after longe beating at sea they fell with that land 

* " Wee strucke all sayles, and suffered our ship to bee tossed too and fro by 
waves all that night (which Mariners call lying at Hull)." 
t Roll or pitch of the vessel. 



The Mayflower Proceeds Alone 



17 



which is called Cape Cod ; the which being made 
and certainly knowne to be it, they were not a little 
joy full. After some deliberation had amongst them 
selves and with the m(aste)r of the ship, they tacked 
aboute and resolved to stande for the southward (the 
wind and weather being faire) to finde some place 
aboute Hudsons river for their habitation. But after 
they had sailed that course aboute halfe the day, they 
fell amongst deanerous shoulds and roring breakers, 
and they were so farr intangled ther with as they 
conceived them selves in great danger ; and the wind 
shrinking upon them withall, they resolved to bear up 
againe for the Cape, and thought them selves hapy 
to gett out of those dangers before night overtooke 
them, as by Gods good providence they did. And the 
next day they gott into the Cape-harbor wher they 
ridd in saftie. A word or too by the way of this 
cape ; it was thus first named by Capten Gosnole and 
his company. Anno: 1602, and after by Capten Smith 
was caled Cape James; but it retains the former name 
amongst sea-men. Also that pointe which first shewed 
those dangerous shoulds unto them, they called Pointe 
Care, and Tuckers Terrour ; but the French and Dutch 
to this day call it Malabarr, by reason of those peri- 
lous shoulds, and the losses they have suffered their. 



They reach the 
waters about 
Cape Cod 



[Being 



i8 



"The Mayflower Pilgrims 



their. 



They give 
thanks for safe 
arrival 



A small party 
goes ashore 



Being thus arived in a good harbor and brought safe 
to land, they fell upon their knees and blessed the 
God of heaven, who had brought them over the vast 
and furious ocean, and delivered them from all the 
periles and miseries therof, againe to set their feete 
on the firme and stable earth, theyr proper elemenee. 

Showing how they sought out a Place <9y^ 
Habitation and what befell them, 

BEING thus arrived at Cap-Cod the .11. of Novem- 
ber, and necessitie calling them to lookeout a 
place for habitaeion, (as well as the maisters and 
mariners importunitie,) they having brought a large 
sholop with them out of England, stowed in quar- 
ters in the ship, they now gott her out and sett 
their carpenters to worke to trime her up ; but 
being much brused and shattered in the shipe 
with foule weather, they saw she would be longe in 
mending. Whereupon a few of them tendered them 
selves to goe by land and discovere those nearest 
places, whilst the shallop was in mending ; and the 
rather because as they wente into that harbor ther 
seemed to be an opening some .1. or .3. leagues of, 
which the maister judged to be a river. It was con- 



Seeking a Place of Hahitati 



ON 



19 



ceived ther might be some danger in the attempte, yet 
seeing them resolute, they were permited to goe, be- 
ing .16. of them well armed, under the conduct of 
Captein Standish, having shuch instructions given 
them as was thought meete. They sett forth the .15. 
of Nove(m)b(e)r : and when they had marched aboute 
the space of a mile by the sea side, they espied .5. 
or .6. persons with a dogg coming towards them, who 
were salvages ; but they fled from them, and ranne 
up into the woods and the English followed them, 
partly to see if they could speake with them, and 
partly to discover if ther might not be more of them 
lying in ambush. But the Indeans seeing them selves 
thus followed, they againe forsooke the woods, and 
rane away on the sands ashard as they could, so as 
they could not come near them, but followed them 
by the tracte of their feet sundrie miles, and saw 
that they had come the same way. So, night coming 
on, they made their randevous and set out their sen- 
tinels, and rested in quiete that night, and the next 
morning followed their tracte till they had headed a 
great creeke, and so left the sands, and turned an 
other way into the woods. But they still followed 
them by guess, hopeing to find their dwellings ; 
but they soone lost both them and them selves, fall- 



They meet 
with a band 
of Indians 



20 



T'he Mayflower Pilgrims 



fall- 



Exploring the 
land between 
the two shores 



Remains of an 
Indian Camp 



ing into shuch thickets as were ready to tear their 
cloaths and armore in peeces, but were most dis- 
tressed for wante of drinke. But at length they found 
water and refreshed them selves, being the first New- 
England water they drunke of, and was now in thir 
great thirste as pleasante unto them as wine or bear 
had been in for-times. Afterwards they directed their 
course to come to the other shore, for they knew it 
was a necke of land they were to crosse over, and so 
at length gott to the sea-side, and marched to this 
supposed river, by the way found a pond of clear 
fresh water, and shortly after a good quantitie of 
clear ground wher the Indeans had formerly set corne, 
and some of their graves. And proceeding furder they 
they saw newstuble wher corne had been set the same 
year, also they found wher latly a house had been, 
wher some planks and a great ketle was remaining, 
and heaps of sand newly padled with their hands, 
which they, digging up, found in them diverce faire 
Indean baskets filled with corne, and some in eares, 
faire and good, of diverce collours, which seemed to 
them a very goodly sight, (haveing never seen any 
shuch before). This was near the place of that sup- 
posed river they came to seeck ; unto which they 
wente and found it open it selfe into .2. armes with 



Skkkixcj a Placf". of Habitaiion 



2 1 



They return 
to the ship 
with some of 
the corn 



a high cHffe of sand in the enterance, but more hke 
to be crikes of sake water then any fresh, for ought 
they saw : and that ther was good harborige for their 
shalope ; leaving it further to be discovered by their 
shalop when she was ready. So their time Umeted 
them being expired, they returned to the ship, least 
they should be in fear of their saftie : and tooke with 
them parte of the corne, and buried up the rest, and 
so like the men from Eshcoll carried with them of 
the fruits of the land, and showed their breethren ; 
which, and their return, they were marvelusly glad 
of and their harts incouraged. 
After this, the shalop being got ready, they set out 
againe for the better discovery of this place, and the 
m(aste)r of the ship desired to goe him selfe, so ther 
went some .30. men, but found it to be no harbor for 
ships but only for boats ; ther was allso found .2. of 
their houses covered with matts, and sundrie of their 
implements in them, but the people were rune away 
and could not be seen ; also ther was found more of 
their corne, and of their beans of various collours. 
The corne and beans they brought away, purposing 
to give them full satisfaction when they should meete 
with any of them (as about some .6, months afterward 
they did, to their good contente). And here is to be 



They use the 
corn and beans 
for seed 



[noted 



22 



T'he Mayflower Pilgrims 




DEXTER'S MAP OF THE EXPLORATIONS 



be] 



noted a spetiall providence of God, and a great mercie 
to this poore people, that hear they gott seed to plant 
them corne the next yeare, or els they might have 
starved, for they had none, nor any liklyhood to get 
any till the season had been past (as the sequell did 
manyfest). Neither is it lickly they had had this, if 
the first viage had not been made, for the ground was 
now all covered with snow, and hard frosen. But the 
Lord is never wanting unto his in their greatest needs ; 
let his holy name have all the praise. 



T'hey Encounter the Indians 



23 



'They have their first Encounter with the 
Indians a?id drive them away. 



THE month of November being spente in thess af- 
fairs, and much foule weather falhng in, the .6. 
of Desem(be)r they sent out their shallop againe with 
.10. of their principall men, and some sea men, upon 
further discovery, intending to circulate that deepe 
bay of Cap-Codd. The weather was very could, and 
it frose so hard as the sprea of the sea lighting on 
their coats, they were as if they had been glased ; yet 
that night betimes they gott downe into the botome 
of the bay, and as they drue nere the shore they saw 
some .10. or .12. Indeans very busie aboute some 
thing. They landed aboute a league or .2. from them, 
and had much a doe to put a shore any wher, it lay 
so full of flats. Being landed, it grew late and they 
made themselves a barricado with loggs and bowes 
as well as they could in the time, and set out their 
sentinell and betooke them to rest, and saw the smoake 
of the fire the savages made that night. When morn- 
ing was come they devided their company, some to 
coast along the shore in the boate, and the rest 
marched throw the wood to see the land, if any fit 



The weather 
becomes very 
cold 



They form two 
parties for 
exploring 

[place 



24 



The Mayflower Pilgrims 



fit! 



They are 
aroused in 
the night 



place might be for their dwelHng. They came allso 
to the place wher they saw the Ind(i)ans the night 
before, and found they had been cuting up a great 
fish like a grampus, being some .1. inches thike of 
fate like a hogg, some peeces wher of they had left 
by the way ; and the shallop found .2, more of these 
fishes dead on the sands, a thing usuall after storms 
in that place, by reason of the great flats of sand that 
lye of. So they ranged up and doune that day, but 
found no people, nor any place they liked. When the 
sune greu low, they hasted out of the wood to mete 
with their shallop, to whom they made signes to come 
to them into a creeke hardby, the which they did at 
high water; of which they were very glad, for they 
had not seen each other all that day, since the morn- 
ing. So they made them a barricado (as usually they did 
every night) with loggs, stakes, and thike pine bowes, 
the height of a man, leaving it open to leeward, part- 
ly to shelter them from the could and wind (making 
their fire in the midle, and lying round about it), and 
partly to defend them from any sudden assaults of the 
savages, if they should surround them. So being very 
weary, they betooke them to rest. But aboute mid- 
night, they heard a hideous and great crie, and their 
sentinell caled, Arme, arme ; so they bestired them 



They Encountkr the Indians 



25 



and stood to their armes, and shote of a cupple ot 
moskets, and then the noys seased. They concluded 
it was a companie of wolv^es, or such hke willd beasts; 
for one of the sea men toukl them he had often heard 
shuch a noyse in New-found kind. So they rested till 
about .5. of the clock in the morning; for the tide, 
and ther purposs to goe from thence, made them be 
stiring betimes. So after praier they prepared for break- 
fast, and it being day dawning, it was thought best to 
be caring things downe to the boate. But some said 
it was not best to carrie the armes downe, others said 
they would be the readier, for they had laped them 
up in their coats from the dew. But some .3. or .4. 
would not cary theirs till they wente them selves, yet 
as it fell out, the water being not high enough, they 
layed them downe on the banke side, and came up to 
breakfast. But presently, all on the sudaine, they heard 
a great and strange crie, which they knew to be the 
same v^oyces they heard in the night, though they 
v^aried their notes, anci one of their company being 
abroad came runing in, and cried, Men, Indeans, 
Indeans; and withall, their arrowes came flying 
amongst them. Their men ran with all speed to re- 
cov^er their armes, as by the good providence of God 
they did. In the mean time, of those that were ther 



Attacked by 
tluf Indians 



idv 



26 



'The Mayflower Pilgrims 



therl 



Their enemies 
are put to 
flight 



ready, tow muskets were discharged at them, and .2. 
more stood ready, in the enterance of ther randevoue, 
but were comanded not to shoote till they could take 
full aime at them ; and the other .2. charged againe 
with all speed, for ther were only .4. had arms ther, 
and defended the baricado which was first assaulted. 
The crie of the Indeans was dreadfull, espetially when 
they saw ther men rune out of the randevoue to- 
wourds the shallop to recover ther amies the Indeans 
wheeling about them. But some running out with 
coats of malle on, and cutlashess in their hands, they 
soone got their amies, and let flye amongs them, and 
quickly stopped their violence. Yet ther was a lustie 
man, and no less valiante, stood behind a tree within 
halfe a musket shot, and let his arrows flie at them. He 
was seen shoot .3. arrowes, which were all avoyded. 
He stood .3. shot of a musket, till one taking full 
aime at him, and made the barke or splinters of the 
tree fly about his ears, after which he gave an extra- 
ordinary shrike, and away they wente all of them. 
They left some to keep the shalop, and followed them 
aboute a quarter of a mille, and shouted once or twise, 
and shot of .2. or .3. peces, and so returned. This they 
did, that they might conceive that they were not af- 
frade of them or any way discouraged. Thus it pleased 



They Encountkr the Indians 




MAP OF PLYMOUTH HARBOR 

God to vanquish their enimies, and give them deHv- 
erance; and by his spetiall providence so to dispose 
that not any one of them were either hurte, or hitt, 
though their arrows came close by them, and on 
every side (of) them, and sundry of their coats, which 



[hunge 



28 



The Mayflower Pilgrims 



which] 



Searching for 
a safe harbor 



They lose the 
mast and sail 



hunge up in the barricado, were shot throw and 
throw. Afterwards they gave God sollemne thanks 
and praise for their dehverance, and gathered up a 
bundle of their arrows, and sente them into England 
afterward by the m(aste)r of the ship, and called that 
place the first encounter. From hence they departed, 
and costed all along, but discerned no place likly for 
harbor ; and therefore hasted to a place that their pil- 
lote, (one Mr, Coppin who had bine in tha cuntrie 
before) did assure them was a good harbor, which he 
had been in, and they might fetch if before night ; of 
which they were glad, for it begane to be foule 
weather. After some houres sailing, it begane to snow 
and raine, and about the midle of the afternoone, the 
wind increased, and the sea became very rough, and 
they broake their rudder, and it was as much as .1. 
men could doe to steere her with a cupple of oares. 
But their pillott bad them be of good cheere, for he 
saw the harbor ; but the storme increasing, and night 
drawing on, they bore what saile they could to gett 
in, while they could see. But herwith they broake 
their mast in .3. peeces, and their saill fell over bord, 
in a very grown sea, so as they had like to have been 
cast away ; yet by Gods mercie they recovered them 
selves, and having the floud with them, struck into 



} 



30 



T'he Mayflower Pilgrims 



into 



They spent 
the night by a 
small island 



the harbore. But when it came too, the pillott was 
deceived in the place, and said, the Lord be merci- 
full unto them, for his eyes never saw that place be- 
fore; and he and the m(aste)r mate would have rune 
her ashore, in a cove full of breakers, before the 
winde. But a lusty seaman which steered, bad those 
which rowed, if they were men, about with her, or 
ells they were all cast away : the which they did 
with speed. So he bid them be of good cheere and 
and row lustly, for there was a faire sound before 
them, and he doubted not but they should find one 
place or other wher they might tide in saftie. And 
though it was very darke, and rained sore, yet in the 
end they gott under the lee of a smalle iland, and re- 
mained ther all that night in saftie. But they knew 
not this to be an iland till morning, but were devi- 
ded in their minds : some would keepe the boate for 
fear they might be amongst the Indians : others were 
so weake and could, they could not endure, but got 
a shore, and with much adoe got fire, (all things be- 
ing so wett,) and the rest were glad to come to 
them ; for after midnight the wind shifted to the 
north-west, and it frose hard. But though this had 
been a day and night of much trouble and danger 
unto them, yet God gave them a morning of comforte 



T'hey Encounter the Indians 



31 



and refreshing (as usually he doth to his children), 
for the next day was a faire sunshininge day, and they 
found them sellves to be on an iland secure from the 
Indeans, wher they might drie ther stufe, fixe their 
peeces, and rest them selves, and gave God thanks for 
his mercies, in their manifould deUverances. And 
this being the last day of the weeke, they prepared 
ther to keepe the Sabath. On Munday they sounded 
the harbor, and founde it fitt for shipping; and 
marched into the land, and found diverse corn-feilds, 
and little runing brooks, a place (as they supposed) 
fitt for situation ; at least it was the best they could 
find, and the season, and their presente necessitie, 
made them glad to accepte of it. So they returned 
to their shipp againe with this news to the rest of their 
people, which did much comforte their harts. 

On the .15. of Desem(be)r: they wayed anchor to 
goe to the place they had discovered, and came within 
.2. leagues of it, but were faine to bear up againe ; but 
the .16. day thewinde came faire, and they arrived 
safe in this harbor. And after wards tooke better view 
of the place, and resolved wher to pitch ther dwel- 
ling; and the .25. day begane to erect the first 
house for commone use to receive them and their 
goods. 



Decide on 
a place of 
habitation 



[I shall 



l^he Mayflower Pilgrims 



T^hey form a Compact and make a Treaty 
(^Z Peace w///^ Massasoit. 



roods, 



The Compact 



I SHALL returne backe and begine with a combination 
made by them before they came a shore, being the 
first foundation of their govermente in this place ; oc- 
cassioned partly by the discontented and mutinous 
speeches that some of the strangers amongst them had 
let fall from them in the ship ; That when they came 
a shore they would use thier owne libertie ; tor none 
had power to command them, the patente they had 
being for Virginia, and not for New england, which 
belonged to an other Goverment, with which the 
Virginia Company had nothing to doe. And partly 
that shuch an acte by them done (this their condition 
considered) might be as firme as any patent, and in 
some respects more sure. 

The forme was as followeth. 

In the name of God, Amen. We whose names are 
underwriten, the loyall subjects of our dread sover- 
aigne Lord, King James, by the grace of God, of 
Great Britaine, Franc, and Ireland king, defender of 
the faith, etc. 

Haveing undertaken, for the glorie of God, and 
advancemente of the Christian faith, and honour of 



34 



The Mayflower Pilgrims 



of] 



John Carver 
is appointed 
governor 



our king and countrie, a voyage to plant the first col- 
onie in the Northerne parts of Virginia, doe by these 
presents solemly and mutualy in the presence of God, 
and one another, covenant and combine our selves to- 
geather into a civill body politick, for our better or- 
dering and preservation and furtherance of the ends 
aforesaid ; and by vertue hereof to enacte, constitute 
and frame shuch just and equall lawes, ordinances, 
acts, constitutions, and offices, from time to time, as 
shall be thought most meete and convenient for the 
generall good of the Colonic, unto which we promise 
all due submission and obedience. In witnes whereof 
we have hereunder subscribed our names at Cap-Codd 
the .II. of November, in the year of the raigne of 
our soveraigne lord. King James, of England, France, 
and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fiftie 
fourth. Anno Dom. 1620. 

After this they chose, or rather confirmed, Mr. John 
Carver (a man godly and well approved amongst them) 
their Governour for that yerr. And after they had 
provided a place for their goods, or comone store, 
(which were long in unlading for want of boats, 
foulnes of the winter weather, and sickness of diverce,) 
and begune some small cottages for their habitation, 
as time would admitte, they mette and consulted of 



36 



The Mayflower Pilgrims 



of] 



Half of their 
company die of 
the plague 



lawes and orders, both for their civill and military 
Govermente, as the necessitie of their condition did 
require, still adding therunto as urgent occasion in 
severall times, and as cases did require. 

In these hard and difficulte beginings they found 
some discontents and murmurings arise amongst some, 
and mutinous speeches and carriages in other; but 
they were soone quelled and overcome by the wisdome, 
patience, and just and equall carrage of things by 
the Gov(erno)r and better part, which clave faithfully 
togeather in the maine. But that which was most 
sadd and lamentable was, that in .2. or .3. moneths 
time halfe of their company dyed, espetialy in Jan : 
and February, being the depth of winter, and wanting 
houses and other comforts ; being infected with the 
scurvie and other diseases, which this long voiage 
and their inacomodate condition had brought upon 
them; so as ther dyed some times .2. or .3. of a day, 
in the aforesaid time; that of .100. and off persons, 
scarce .50. remained. And of these in the time of 
most distres, ther was but .6. or .7. sound persons, 
who, to their great comendations be it spoken, spared 
no pains, night nor day, but with abundance of toyle 
and hazard of their owne health, fetched them woode, 
made them fires, drest them meat, made their beads. 



38 



l^he Mayflower Pilgrims 



beads,] 



The few well 
people nurse 
the sick 



The Indians 
approach the 

settlement 



washed their lothsome cloaths, cloathed and un- 
cloathed them ; in a word, did all the homly and 
necessarie offices tor them which dainty and quesie 
stomacks cannot endure to hear named ; and all 
this willingly and cherfuUy, without any grudging 
in the least, shewing herein their true love unto their 
friends and bretheren. 
All this while the Indians came skulking about them, 
and would sometimes show them selves aloofe of, but 
when any aproached near them, they would rune away. 
And once they stoale away their tools wher they had 
been at worke, and were gone to diner. But about 
the .16. of March a certaine Indian came bouldly 
amongst them, and spoke to them in broken English, 
which they could well understand, but marvelled at 
it. At length they understood by discourse with him, 
that he was not of these parts, but belonged to the 
easterne parts, wher some English-ships came to 
fhish, with whom he was a aquainted, and could name 
sundrie of them by their names, amongst whom he 
had gott his language. He became prof(i) table to 
them in aqauinting them with many thmgs concern- 
ing the state of the cuntry in the east-parts wher he 
lived, which was afterwards profitable unto them , 
as also of the people hear, of their names, number. 



40 



The Mayflower Pilgrims 



number,] 



Samoset visits 
the company 



They make a 
treaty with 
Massasoit 



and strength ; of their situation and distance from 
this place, and who was cheefe amongst them. His 
name was Samasett ; he tould them also of another 
Indian whose name was Squanto, a native of this place, 
who had been in England and could speake better 
English then him selfe. Being, after some time of 
entertammente and gifts, dismist, a while after he 
came againe, and .5. more with him, and they brought 
againe all the tooles that were stolen away before, 
and made way for the coming of their great Sachem, 
called Massasoyt ; who, about .4. or .5. days after, 
came with the cheefe of his freinds and other at- 
tendance, with the aforesaid Squanto. With whom, 
after frendly entertainment and some gifts given him, 
they made a peace with him (which hath now continued 
this .24. years) in these terms. 

.1. That neither he nor any of his, should injurie 
or doe hurte to any of their peopl(e). 

.2. That if any of his did any hurte to any of theirs, 
he should send the offender, that they might punish him. 

.3. That if any thing were taken away from any of 
theirs, he should cause it to be restored ; and they 
should doe the like to his. 

.4. If any did unjustly warr against him, they would aide 
him ; if any did warr against them, he should aide them. 



l^hc Compact afid Trkatv of Peace 



4' 



.5. He should send to his neighbours confederates, to 
certifie them of this, that they might not wrong them, but 
might be Hkewise comprised in the conditions of peace. 

.6. That when ther men came to them, they should 
lea\'e their bows and arrows behind them. 

After these things he returned to his place caled 
Sowams, some .40 mile from this place, but Squanto 
continued with them and was their interpreter, and was 
a spetiall instrument sent of God for their good be- 
yond their expectation. He directed them how to 
set their corne, wher to take fish, and to procure 
other comodities, and was also their pilott to bring 
them to unknowne places for their profitt, and never 
left them till he dyed. He was a native of this place, 
and scarce any left alive besides him selfe. He was 
caried away with diverce others by one Hunt, a 
m (aster) of a ship, who thought to sell them for slaves 
in Spaine ; but he got away for England, and was 
entertained by a marchante in London, and imployed 
to New-found-land and other parts, and lastly brought 
hither into these parts by one Mr. Dermer, a gentle- 
man imployed by Sir Ferdinando Gorges and others, 
for discovery, and other designes in these parts. Of 
whom I shall say some thing, because it is mentioned 
in a booke set forth Anno : 1622. bv the Presidente 



iVlassasoit 
teaches them 
to procure 
their tood 



42 



The Mayflower Pilgrims 



Presidentel 



and Counsell for New-England, that he made the 
peace betweene the salvages of these parts and the 
English ; of which this plantation, as it is intimated, 
had the benefite. 



The ship pre- 
pares to leave 
for England 



They suffer from Famine and many of the 
Company die of the Plague. 

THEY now begane to dispatch the ship away which 
brought them over, which lay tille aboute this 
time, or the begining of Aprill. The reason on their parts 
why she stayed so long, was the necessitie and danger 
that lay upon them, for it was well towards the ends of 
Desember before she could land any thing hear, or 
they able to receive any thing a shore. Afterwards, 
the .14. of Jan(uary) the house which they had made 
for a generall randevoze by casu(a)lty fell afire, and 
so some were faine to retire abord the shilter. Then 
the sicknes begane to fall sore amongst them, and 
the weather so bad as they could not make much 
sooner any dispatch. Againe, the Gov(ernor) and 
cheefe of them, seeing so many dye, and fall downe 
sick dayly, thought it no wisdom to send away the 
ship, their condition considered, and the danger they 
stood in from the Indeans, till they could procure 



^J licy Si^JJcr Jrom V a m i x t: a?id P i.agu i- 



43 



some shelter ; and thertore thought it better to draw 
some more charge upon them selves and freinds, then 
hazard all. The m(aste)r and seamen likewise, though 
before they hasted the passengers a shore to be goone, 
now many of their men being dead, and of the ablest 
o[ them, (as is before noted,) and of the rest many 
lay sick and weake, the m(aste)r durst not put to sea, 
till he saw his men begine to recover, and the hart 
of winter over. 

Afterwards they (as many as were able) began to 
plant ther corne, in which servise Squanto stood them 
in great stead, showing them both the maner how 
to set it, and after how to dress and tend it. Also 
he tould them excepte they gott fish and set with it 
(in these old grounds) it would come to nothing, and 
he showed them that in the midle of Aprill they should 
have store enough come up the brooke, by which they 
began to build, and taught them how to take it, and 
wher to get other provisions necessary for them ; 
all which they found true by triall and experience. 
Some English seed they sew, as wheat and pease, 
but it came not to good, eather by the badnes of the 
seed, or latenes ot the season, or both, or some other 
defecte. In this month of xAprill whilst they were 
busie about their seed, their Gov(ernor) (Mr. John 



Prevented from 
sailing by the 
small crew 



Squanto 
teaches them 
the planting 



[Carver) 



44 



T^he Mayflower Pilgrims 



John] 



Death of 
Governor 
Carver 



William 
Bradtbrd is 
chosen to 
succeed John 
Carver 



Carver) came out of the feild very sick, it being a 
hott day ; he complained greatly of his head, and 
lay downe, and within a few howers his sences failed, 
so as he never spake more till he dyed, which was within 
a few days after. Whoss death was much lamented, 
and caused great heavines amongst them, as ther 
was cause. He was buried in the best maner they 
could, with some vollies of shott by all that bore armes ; 
and his wife, being a weak woman, dyed within 
.5. or .6. weeks after him. 

Shortly after William Bradford was chosen Gove(rno)r 
in his stead, and being not yet recovered of his li- 
nes, in which he had been near the point of death, 
Isaack Allerton was chosen to be an Assisante unto 
him, who, by renewed election every year, continued 
sundry years togeather, which I hear note once for all. 

Gaveing in some sorte ordered their business at home, 
it was thought meete to send some abroad to see their 
new freind Massasoyet, and to bestow upon him some 
gratuitie to bind him the faster unto them ; as also 
that hearby they might view the countrie, and see 
in what maner he lived, what strength he had aboute 
him, and how the ways were to his place, if at any 
time they should have occasion. So the .2. of July 
they sente Mr. Edward Winslow and Mr. Hopkins, 



"They Suffer' from Famink a?id Plague 



45 



with the fore said Squanto for ther guid, who gave 

him a suite of cloaths, and a horse-mans coate, with J^^mey to the 

home of Mass 

some other small things, which were kindly accepted ; 
but they found but short commons, and came both 
weary and hungrie home. For the Indeans used then 
to have nothing so much corne as they have since 
the English have stored them with their hows, and 
scene their industrie in breaking up new-grounds 
therwith. They found his place to be .40. myles from 
hence, the soyle good, and the people not many, 
being dead and abundantly wasted in the late great 
mortalitie which fell in all these parts aboute three 
years before the coming of the English, wherin thou- 
sands of them dyed ; they not being able to burie one 
another, ther souls and bones were found in many 
places lying still above ground, where their houses 
and dwellings had been ; a very sad spectackle to 
behould. But they brought word that the Narig- 
hansets lived but on the other side of that great bay, 
and were a strong people, and many in number, living 
compacte togeather, and had not been at all touched 
with this wasting plague. 
After this, the .18. of Sep(t)ember they sente out ther 
shalop to the Massachusetts, with .10. men, and 
Squanto for their guid and interpreter, to discover 



They find the 
Indians victims 
of the plague 



[and 



46 



The Mayflower Pilgrims 



and view that bay, and trade with the natives ; the 
which they performed, and found kind entertainement. 
The people were much affraid of the Tarentins, a 
people to the eastward which used to come in harvest 
time and take away their corne, and many times 
kill their persons. They returned in saftie, and 
brought home a good quan(ti)ty of beaver, and made 
reporte of the place, wishing they had been ther seated ; 
(but it seems the Lord, who assignes to all men the 
bounds of their habitations, had apoynted it for an 
other use). And thus they found the Lord to be with 
them in all their ways, and to blesse their outgoings 
and incommings, for which let his holy name have 
he praise for ever, to all posteritie. 
They begane now to gather in the small harvest 
they had, and to fitte up their houses and dwellings 
against winter, being all well recovered in health 
and strenght, and had all things in good plenty ; 
for as some were thus imployed in affairs abroad, 
others were excersised in fishing, aboute codd, and bass, 
and other fish, of which they tooke good store, of 
which every family had their portion. All the sommer 
ther was no wante. And now begane to come in store 
of foule, as winter aproached, of which this place did 
abound when they came first (but afterward de- 



The first 
harvest 



They Suffer f'o/n i^' am ink anri Plague 



47 



creased by degrees). And besides water foule, ther was 
great store of wild Turkies, of which they tooke man)', 
besides venison, etc. Besides they had a boute a 
peck a meale a weeke to a person, or now since harvest, 
Indean corne to that proportion. Which made many 
afterwards write so largely of their plenty hear to their 
freinds in England, which were not fained, but true 
reports. 



Their condition 
and provisions 
improve 







THE WINSLOW HOUSE AT M.aUnixLLL 
Built in i6<;9 and restored for the Pilgrim Tercentenary in igzo 



Appendixes 



Nov. 


6 


Nov. 


9 


Nov. 


11 


Nov. 


15 


Dec. 


4 



Appendix I: Chronology 

THE VOYAGE— 1620 

Died at sea William Butten 

Make the land of Cape Cod 

Making the solemn compact — Election of Mr. 

John Carver their Governor — 15 or 16 armed 

men land but find neither house nor person 

Start on explorations — First sight of savages 

Dies Edward Thompson, servant of Mr. White, 

first that dies since their arrival 
Dec. 11 They find Plymouth Harbor fit for shipping 
Dec. 15 The ship sails for this new found port 
Dec. 18 They land with the Master of the ship and 3 or 4 

sailors — Find choice ground formerly possessed 

and planted 
Dec. 20 They conclude to settle on the main on a high 

ground facing the bay where corn had been planted 

3 or 4 years before 
Dec. 21 Dies Richard Britteridge the first who does at 

this harbor 
Dec. 25 They begin to erect the first house about 20 feet 

square for their common use 
Dec. 31 Lord's Day — They give the name of Plymouth in 

grateful memory of the last town they left in their 

native land 

THE SETTLEMENT — 162 1 

Jan. 1 The people at Plymouth go betimes to work 
Jan. 21 First public worship ashore 



Mar. 24 First offence John Billington adjudged to have 
his neck and heels tied together for his contempt 
of the Captains lawful command, but on humbling 
himself and craving pardon, it being the first 
offence, he is forgiven — This month 13 of our 
number die and in three months past dies half of 
our company ; the greatest part in the depth of the 
winter. But the spring advancing, the mortality 
■ begins to cease and the sick and lame recover 

Apr. 5 The Mayflower despatched back and they plant 
their first corn 

May 12 First marriage — Mr. Edward Winslow, widower, 
to Mrs. Susanna White, 1 widow of William White 

Jun. 18 The second offence — Duel with sword and dagger 
between Edward Doty and Edward Leister, ser- 
vants of Mr. Hopkins — one wounded in hand, 
the other in thigh — Upon promise of better car- 
riage they are released by the Governor 

1621 

Nov. "Fortune" arrived from London with 35 — 27 of 

them adult males 
Settlement called New Plymouth 
The partnership with the London "Merchant 
x'\dventurers" ended by buying these out 

1627 

A trading out-post established in Buzzard's Bay 
to avoid the voyage over the shoals ; off Cape Cod 

1628 Representation system of government adopted 

1647 New England Confederation 

1675-76 King Phillip's War & debt of £15,000 incurred 
1691 

Oct. The Provincial Charter of Massachusetts puts an 

end to separate existence of New England 



Appendix II 

MORTAL ITT LIST 

The mortality was great among the bachelors of the 
band, masters as well as servants, and of the 17 male 
heads of famihes, ten died during this first infection. 
There survived William Bradford, Edward Winslow, 
Isaac Allerton, Capt. Myles Standish, Richard Warren, 
John Billinton, Francis Eaton. 

The Pilgrims found no natives in the place of their 
first habitation, a plague had swept away the Indians 
two or three years before their landing. 

It may be that the germ of this plague had something 
to do with the awful mortahty of the first three months 
— exposure and scurvey making them susceptible 
to the " infection." 

Captain George Ernest Bowman, Editor of the 
Mayflower Descendant has recently announced that 
the name of Captain Richard More of Salem can be 
added to the list of approved Mayflower ancestors. 
Captain More came to this country in the Mayflower 
as a boy under the care of Elder William Brewster. 
He later moved from Plymouth to Salem and died 
in that city at the age of 84. He was buried in the 
Charter Street Cemetery in Salem, and his grave stone 



is the only known memorial to a Mayflower passenger 
erected at the time of his death. He was twice married, 
first to Christine Hunt, and after her death to Jane 
Hollingsworth. 
This will increase the number of approved Mayflower 
ancestors to fifty, leaving fifty-four Mayflower pass- 
engers from whom we can prove descent. 

The following died in the commone infection : 
Those marked * left issue 

*Mr. John Carver and his wife, a servant and a child (4) 

Mr. Edward Winslow's wife, Ellen More, Elias Storey his 
servant (3) 

Mr. Christopher Martin and his wife and 2 servants (4) 

Richard More's brother (1) 
*William Bradford's wife (1) 
*Isaac Allerton's wife and a servant (2) 

Edward Fuller's servant died at sea (1) 

John Crakston (1) 
*Mr. William Mulline's wife, his son Joseph and a servant (3) 
*His daughter Priscilla survived and married John x'\lden 
*Mr. William White and 2 servants (3) 

(His widow married Mr. Winslow) 

Captain Standish's wife Rose (1) (He married again) 

Edward Tillie and his wife (2) 
*John Tillie and his wife (2) 
*Thomas Rogers (1) 

Thomas Tinker, his wife and son (3) 

John Rigdale and his wife (2) 

James Chilton and his wife (2) 

Edward Fuller and his wife (2) 



Francis Eaton's wife (1) 
*John Turner and his two sons (3) 

Moyses Fletcher (1) 

Thomas Williams (1) 
*Digerie Preist (1) 

John Goodman (1) 

Edmund Margeson (1) 

Richard Britteridge (1) 

Richard Clarke (1) 

Thomas English (1) 

John Allerton (1) 

14 wives died in the first mortality 

3 unmarried women died 

18 single men died 

10 married men died 
Those who survived the infection : 
*Mr. William Brewster and Mary his wife, 2 sons Love and 
Wrasling 

Richard More 

Mr. Edward W'inslow, his servant George Sowle 
*John Howland (Mr. John Carver's servant, who married the 
daughter of John Tilley) 

William Bradford 
*Mr. Isaac Allerton and 3 children Bartholomew, Remember 

and Mary 
*Mr. Samuel Fuller 

John Crakston's son John 
*Captain Myles Standish 
*Priscilla MuUines 

*Mrs. William White (Married Mr. Winslow) 
*Mr. Stephen Hopkins, Elizabeth, his wife and 4 children 
Giles, *Constanta, Damaris, Oceanus (The last born at 
sea) and 2 servants Edward Doty and Edward Litster 



Mr. Carver's servant William Latham 
*Mr. Richard Warren 
*Mr. John Billington and Elen his wife and 2 sons John and 

Francis 
*Elizabeth Tilley, daughter of John (Married John Howland) 

Henery Sampson and Humilitie Coper 
*Francis Cooke and his son John 
*Joseph Rogers, son of John 
*Mary Chilton, daughter of James Chilton 
*Samuel Fuller, son of Edward 
*Francis Eaton 
*John Alden (married Priscilla Mullines) 

Richard Gardiner and seaman Gilbert Winslow Peter 
Nourse 



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